Executive Chef

Empact Group · Cape Town, Western Cape

Stop applying one at a time.

JobAlertsZA auto-applies to South African jobs like this one for you, overnight. Upload your CV once — we do the applying.

The Main Purpose of the job

The Executive Chef is responsible for developing and planning menus, establishing recipes and food purchase specifications, and coordinating, executing, supervising, and evaluating all food production activities within a fast-paced operation.
The ideal candidate will be a qualified chef with the ability to manage both the strategic and day-to-day operations of the kitchen effectively

Education and Experience required

Matric is essential
Relevant Professional Cookery, tertiary qualification in Hospitality
5-10 years of proven experience as Executive Chef
Comprehensive knowledge of the catering environment, from fine dining to restaurant dining
Desirable overseeing more than one outlet

Knowledge of the catering environment ranging from fine dining to restaurant dining
Knowledge of South African and industry-specific law
Strong financial acumen, proven budgetary and food control practices
Knowledge of Health, Safety and Environment processes and procedure

Directing food preparation in collaboration with the team and management.
Taking responsibility for more technical elements of cuisine.
Provides quality plates and meals, including in both design and taste.
Responsible for the smooth running of both kitchen departments.
Developing unique and appropriate menus with new or existing creations ensuring a variety and quality of the servings
Timeous production of quality food at an optimal cost under hygienic conditions
Assisting and directing kitchen staff in meal preparation, creation, plating, and delivery
Ensuring proper portion control is always managed.
Supervising all food preparation daily

Leadership of the Kitchens
Managing the kitchen staff, schedule management, and handling disciplinary and HR issues.
Being the voice of the kitchen when communicating with servers
Maintaining the kitchen and all surrounding areas in conditions that meet the company standards and health regulations
Ensure kitchen equipment is maintained and functioning at all times
Ensure staff have required utensils
Ensure all kitchen staff is wearing the correct uniform at all times

Identify ways to reduce spoilage/waste of infrequently used items.
Assists with menu planning, inventory, and management of supplies.
Monitoring inventory and only purchasing supplies and food from approved suppliers together with the office administrator and head chef
Ensure stock levels are sufficient and new stock is ordered timeously following company procedure and providing relevant reports thereof.
Daily Tiebacks conducted and signed off.
Must have Knowledge and understanding of Budget Management

Have Leadership skills that will allow operations to run in case of absence.
Ensure respectful communications with customers and suppliers when handling queries.
Ensure good relationships and teamwork is maintained with staff and aid resolve queries.
Ensure good relationships exist with suppliers, customers, intercompany departments, and related parties.
The Head Chef leads a team of chefs in cooking and preparing meals, including checking food quality and overseeing cooking techniques

Conduct bi-annual performance reviews with staff members under your supervision
Ensure staff morale is maintained and improved over time
Identify, support, and raise staff training needs
Execute staff disciplinary processes as per Company policy
Determine required staff complement per shift to meet the demands of the business together with the admin department.

Responsible to enforce the Company's OH&S policies and procedures daily.
Experience in the ISO22000 management of a Kitchen
Ensure staff is trained in all OH&S aspects and adheres to the requirements.
Identify risk areas to ensure all OH&S regulations are adhered to
Completing food hygiene documents to comply with the law and writing environmental health reports when necessary.

Closing Date 21 August 2026